One of the goals of
this class in, combination with the associated lecture, is to reveal to you
some of the wonders of our cosmos. You will learn how the scientific method is used to explain
the underlying causes behind astrophysical phenomena. The lab activities will
provide a hands-on approach that will help you better understand the material
taught in the astronomy 129 lectures.

Specifically, in
Astronomy 129 Lab, students will learn how to use star charts to identify stars
and constellations in the sky at any date and time, use a celestial globe and a
rotating star chart to understand the diurnal and yearly motions of the Earth,
learn how to setup a telescope and how to observe objects through a telescope,
learn how craters form, confirm KeplerÕs laws by analyzing real data from the
orbit of a satellite, use data from the orbits of JupiterÕs major satellites to
determine its mass and even plan a mission to Mars!

Astronomy 129 will
also improve several general skills that will be useful for students. In
particular, the lab will enhance studentÕs teamwork skills, students will learn
the basics of collecting, analyzing and presenting scientific data, use simple
statistics to analyze data, learn how to interpret data, improve on computer
skills and learn about telescope calibration.

I recommend that you
review the material before it is presented in class. This will help you to
better understand the concepts and enjoy the class.

Attendance:

It is important that
you attend every lab since there are only 13 labs per semester and each one
therefore carries a significant fraction of your grade. Also missing a lab will
make it difficult for you to understand and carry out following labs. For
example, missing the lab related to telescope setup would make it extremely
difficult for you to use the telescope in following labs that require you to
observe celestial objects with the telescope. In the case you do end up missing
a lab because of an emergency you may take a make-up lab on Dec 7.

Grades:

You
will be graded for each lab. Labs reports will be completed and handed in
before you leave. I will indicate which lab reports you may collaborate on and
for which ones I expect you to complete individually. Collaboration is not
allowed on quizzes. Your number grade will be converted into a letter grade as
follows.

>85%

A

80-84%

A-

76-80%

B+

72-76%

B

68-72%

B-

64-68%

C+

60-64%

C

56-60%

C-

52-56%

D+

48-52%

D

44-48%

D-

<44%

F

Special Needs:

If you have any special needs or disabilities that
might require special arrangements to be made for any aspect of this course,
please let me know at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become
aware of them.

Violations of the College of Charleston
Honor Code (including cheating or attempted cheating) will be referred to the
Office of Student Affairs for adjudication. Examples of cheating include
copying quiz answers and using cellular technology to communicate information
during a quiz.